Trans-Mississippi West Territorial Indians, Civil War Home Page

Confederate Cavalry Enlisted (Minimum Requirements): NOTE: It is NOT the goal of the Regiment for the unit to be outfited in like uniforms. We do NOT dress nor fight like they did at Gettysburg.

UNIFORM REGULATIONS

You will notice the uniform worn by this trooper of the original 1st Cherokee Mounted Rifles. NOTE: the half leggins, Union short shell Jacket and civilian trousers. Use this photo as a guide to assembling your uniform. Be creative, but stick to tradition and authenticity. I. Uniforms
COAT

The most common jacket for the Western Theater was the Columbus Depot pattern made of jean cloth/ jean wool. Many soldiers wore a civilian sack coat or enlisted frock coat. .

TROUSERS

Jean wool trousers are preferred. A number of soldiers have chosen to wear period correct civilian plaids or a pair that match their coat or jacket. Some tribal members prefer to wear traditional tribal dress. It would not have been uncommon to see mounted soldiers in the Western Theater wearing Infantry blue trim or even black trim. It was not common for units to wear cavalry yellow trim mainly due to the fact it was not widely used in the Western Theater. In the Indian Territory it was a come as you are war. The early years of the war saw Indian troopers sometime in breechclouts and leggins, in fact some chose to wear them throughout the war. More common were cloth trousers with leather half leggins. If you chose to wear half leggins, wear dark brown or very dark red leggins. I suggest you make them from split cowhide. [take notice of the above photo - use it as a guide]

SHIRTS

Shirt, pullover unbleached long sleeve muslim or cotton often in checkered pattern.

LEGGINS

Half leggins - recommend you make them from Heavy Wool or split cowhide - ether dark brown, lt brown or dark red.
Half Leggins

SUSPENDERS

The suspenders may be plain cotton in the H or X style.

FOOTGEAR

Footgear is to be either period brogan shoes, a pattern 1861 mounted high-topped black mounted boot or moccasins.
Pattern for center seam moccasins."

HEADGEAR
This is one of the most important parts of a soldier's uniform. Slouch hat in black or grey. Forage cap (bummer), or kepi with crossed saber insignia on top. Many of the troops may chose to wear the turban. Though the slouch hat is preferred it will be worn plain. The kepi is acceptable but was not widely used in the Western Theater. Feathers are permitted, eagle, egret or barred wild turkey.

OVERCOATS (optional)
Mounted Great Coat of a proper Confederate pattern if worn. If you choose to purchase one, remember Territorial Indian troops worn whatever they could get.

BUTTONS
The Confederate uniform can have a variety of different buttons on it. Some soldiers prefer to wear wooden buttons. The "C" buttons (CSA cavalry) will work but were not as common in the Western Theater. The same goes for the "CSA" buttons.

II. Equipment Requirements:

SABRE BELT
It should be M1851 U.S. regulation sword belt and must be black or brown. The belt is of very common use during the war. It was a basic issue for the enlisted Federal cavalry and artillery. Buckles are eagle M1851 with a wreath around the eagle. These can be used for CSA.

HOLSTER
The holster will be U.S. issue period style and black or brown. It was worn on the right side (usually with the pistol butt facing forward. These can be used for CSA.

CAP BOX
The cap box is to be a 1850 U.S. cap box. It is to be black or brown. These can be used for CSA.

CARBINE CARTRIDGE BOX
It will be U.S. M1860 and black or brown. This issue will be the standard equipment for Cavalry. Although some soldiers choose the larger type Infantry box with a carrying strap. These can be used for CSA.

CARBINE SLING (optional)
It is a must for horsemen, but not required for dismounted. Black or brown leather. This item is not necessary unless you are carrying a weapon with a sling ring. These can be used for CSA.

SPURS (optional)
Federal issue brass style for enlisted soldier[mounted only]. Officer spurs, Confederate brass eagle.. These can be used for CSA.

GAUNTLETS (optional)
It is to be deerskin and kidskin.

HAVERSACK (optional)
Mixed issue, normally whatever was picked up off the field. The Federal black issue painted/tarred cloth. These can be used for CSA. Most guys use the white Haversack for their Confederate impression.

CANTEEN
U.S. 1858 smoothside or bullseye grey wool. Although Union issue in a light blue cover is acceptable. These can be used for CSA.

TIN CUP/FLATWARE and DISH
The tin cup and implements for food substance are a necessity as food is cooked over an open fire. The tin cup and plate needs to be tin. These can be used for CSA.

III. Weapon Requirements:

HISTORICAL NOTE: It was common practice for Indians of all tribes to modify their personal weapons to choice. Usually by shortening the barrel and covering it with brass tacks if they were available. The practice of heavly covering the rifle with brass tacks was not as common among Cherokee's. They used small tacks and in sparce numbers. So it not uncommon to see modified three band muskets on the field.

CARBINES OR TWO BAND
The 58 cal. 1841 Mississippi Rifle is a common choice among Company soldiers. Although the carbine such as the M1859 Sharps is the most common if one can be found on the field [these were Union issue to a limited number of units], a "two-bander" (as they are called) can be used and is recomended for the Confederate Indian impression. Some examples of federal breech loaders are: Sharps, Spencer, Gallagher, Maynard, and Smith. We have a number of soldiers that use the 1861 Springfield Musket or "three-bander" (as they are called) and will be fine [though these are usually used by the infantry]. Any of the above weapons can be used for CSA. Some soldiers prefer the Cook and Brothers carbine when portraying the Confederate Indian soldier.

SABRES (optional)
They are to be copy of or the U.S. M1860 light Cavalry model. These can be used for CSA.

PISTOL
Steel frame revolvers. Some examples are the 44 caliber Remington M1858 and the 44 caliber Colt M1860 Army or the 36 caliber Colt M1851 Navy. These can be used for CSA. [will tolerate brass, but only until you can aquire a steele frame]. Brass frame pistols are unsafe for sustained use.

AMMUNITION
You are to provide your own caps and other firing needs. The amount of gunpowder for each round will vary but you should use at least 60 grains [fffg blackpowder](some soldiers use 75 to 80, but no more). Be your own judge on the amounts. The minimum required rounds per event should be 50 to 75 rounds rolled when you arrive for an event. SAFETY: Remember to keep all your paper cartrages tied off in groups of ten and wrappped in tinfoil until ready to use. It will be the responcibility of the company sergeant to inspect all ammunition and insure its safe handling.

IV. Tentage Requirements:

WEDGE TENT
The wedge tent was the most common tent used by the Cavalry. They were carried on wagons and set up on company streets during fixed positions when not on extended raids. Recommended size would be a (7'tall x 8' wide x 9' long), treated canvas, with doors at both ends. This size will cost around $150 dollars but is well worth the money spent for the space you will have.

WALL TENT
These are ONLY recommended if you have a family. These would not have been used by the enlisted man, and only rarely used by the officers [these are used at Regimental level]. But if you have children, these are very handy to have.

V. Homemade versus Sutlers:

Yes, it is prefered if you have the ability and the time, there is a certain enjoyment that comes from using something you make with your own hands. Some of our company members make some of their items, and there are lots of ladies out there that sew period shirts and vests and such.

VI. Age Limits - Cross/dressing

Under normal circumstances the minimum age limit for young people as re-enactors will be 15 [then only if they are responsible and well trained by the unit], however we may authorize 13 year olds as couriers in encampment. The question of female cross dressing as combat soldiers has been an issue on many re-enactment fields. It is authorized as long as the battlefield in question authorizes these soldiers [and it is in keeping with the best Confederate traditions and proper dress]. There is no specific maximum age limit [only limited by safety]. NOTE: Col. John Drew, Commander 2nd Cherokee Mounted Rifles was 64 years old when Chief John Ross commissioned him Commander of the 2nd Cherokee Mounted Rifles.

Cherokee Civilian Womens Dress of Period

Example Cherokee tear dress of cloth
Period dress of deerskins will be posted later.

Things to Remember:
Don't buy anything until you are sure of your purchase [have cleared its use with unit quartermaster - review the Regimental web pages for a list of authorized equipment], the Sutler, and the price range. Buy quality the first time. Always ask one of the company members to help you. When you are not sure, wait until you are. Follow company authenticity standards and these regulations, don't establish your own! Know what you want. Deal with recommended Sutlers that have been suggested by someone in your company. Remember, buy quality once and have it last.